Apparatus for decomposing polymer compound by using biochemically acting solvent

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a tank in which an inlet and an outlet are formed to allow a polymer compound to pass therethrough, and in which a biochemically acting solvent is stored; a transfer unit for moving, to the outlet, the polymer compound supplied through the inlet; and a stirring unit that causes the polymer compound transferred by the operation of the transfer unit to flow in the direction away from the direction of progress, so that the polymer compound and the biochemically acting solvent are stirred and the frequency and duration of contact between the polymer compound and the biochemically acting solvent is increased.

Description

Polymer compound decomposition device using biochemical solvent

[0001] The present invention relates to a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent.

[0002] Plastics, an example of polymer compounds, account for a far greater volume of industrial and household waste than metals, and as a result, their economic value surpasses that of metals. Meanwhile, the depletion of petroleum, the primary raw material for plastics, is increasing the need to recycle plastics, which are now considered waste.

[0003] When recycling plastics, multiple types of plastic are typically used in a single product, and these different types are collected and recycled simultaneously. Because of this, each plastic material struggles to maintain its purity as a single material due to the impurities of other plastics. Consequently, its quality deteriorates, resulting in a value approximately 34% lower than that of virgin plastic. In particular, the economical separation of mixed waste plastics found in household waste is difficult, making the development of technologies to sort mixed waste plastics urgently necessary.

[0004] The plastic recycling process largely consists of pretreatment and recycling. During the pretreatment process, mixed waste plastics are separated and sorted by type. Wet flotation is the most commonly used method to separate and sort mixed waste plastics by type. However, wet flotation requires a large amount of water, and even after wet flotation, approximately 2% of other materials are mixed in, resulting in low-grade plastics being recycled. In particular, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) acts as a foreign substance in plastics that have undergone wet flotation, making its prior removal essential during the pretreatment process of the plastic recycling process.

[0005] Meanwhile, technologies for treating plastics contained in wastewater or waste materials using biochemical solvents are being developed. For example, Korean Patent No. 10-0350928 discloses a novel biochemical solvent, Klebsiella pneumoniae CJ-PVA a (Accession No. KFCC-11126), which grows well under aerobic conditions and has improved polyvinyl alcohol decomposition capabilities, and a method for treating wastewater containing polyvinyl alcohol using the same.

[0006] In addition, Korean Patent No. 10-0513931 discloses Microbacterium barkeri LC (Accession No.: KCCM 10507) and a method for biologically decomposing polyvinyl alcohol using the same.

[0007] The brown mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) is a species of insect in the mealworm family. Its larvae, commonly called mealworms, are widely used as pet food and as edible insects. In 2015, it was discovered that mealworms can break down polystyrene into reusable organic materials [Jordan, Rob. "Plastic-eating worms may offer solution to mounting waste, Stanford researchers discover". Stanford News Service. Stanford News Service. Retrieved 24 March 2016.]. However, the mechanism by which mealworms degrade plastic is unknown, and thus no commercialization has been attempted.

[0008]

[0009] The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2126889 (published on June 26, 2020, title: Novel biochemical solvent having plastic decomposition activity and use thereof).

[0010] The conventional method for decomposing waste plastics using microorganisms has a problem in that it is difficult to continuously decompose a large amount of waste plastics because it does not have a separate technical component for mixing the microbial medium and waste plastics, and does not have a separate technical component for continuously supplying a large amount of waste plastics and mixing them with the microbial medium to carry out the decomposition process, making it difficult to reduce the time and cost required for the waste plastic decomposition process.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to improve this.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent, which can improve the recycling rate of polymer compounds by extracting a high-purity polymer compound made of one material among polymer compounds made of multiple materials, and which has a conveying section for passing the polymer compound at a constant speed through a tank filled with a biochemical reaction solvent that decomposes the remaining materials among polymer compounds made of multiple materials, thereby enabling a large amount of polymer compounds to be decomposed through a continuous process, thereby reducing the time and cost required for the polymer compound decomposition process.

[0013] The present invention comprises: a tank in which an inlet and an outlet are formed so that a polymer compound can pass through, and a biochemical action solvent is filled; a conveying unit that moves the polymer compound supplied through the inlet toward the outlet; and a stirring unit that increases the number of contacts and the contact time between the polymer compound and the biochemical action solvent by causing the polymer compound conveyed by the operation of the conveying unit to flow in a direction away from the direction of movement, thereby stirring the polymer compound and the biochemical action solvent, wherein the gap between the conveying unit and the tank is formed to be small compared to the particle size of the pulverized polymer compound, so that when the polymer compound is moved toward the outlet by the operation of the conveying unit, the biochemical action solvent is lost through the gap between the conveying unit and the tank, and the biochemical action solvent is maintained in a state filled in the tank while a polymer compound decomposition process is continuously performed.

[0014] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that it further includes a residue prevention unit that prevents a polymer compound transported by the operation of the transport unit from passing through the discharge port and remaining.

[0015] In addition, the residue prevention unit of the present invention is characterized in that it includes an inclined portion formed as the diameter of the tank becomes narrower toward the discharge port, and the polymer compound moved toward the discharge port by the operation of the transfer unit rises along the inclined portion and is discharged outside the tank through the discharge port.

[0016] In addition, the transport unit of the present invention is characterized by including a screw member that moves the polymer compound supplied into the tank through the inlet toward the discharge port and discharges it out of the tank by rising along the inclined portion; and a driving unit that supplies power to the screw member.

[0017] In addition, the screw member of the present invention is characterized by including: a driving shaft rotatably installed in the inlet and the outlet; a first screw formed in a spiral shape around the driving shaft so that when the driving shaft rotates in one direction, the first screw pressurizes and moves the polymer compound supplied to the tank toward the outlet; and a second screw integrally connected to the first screw, formed in a spiral shape around the driving shaft, and having a diameter that gradually decreases toward the outlet while maintaining a constant gap with the inclined portion.

[0018] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that it further includes a support part that rotatably supports the transport part and through which a polymer compound supplied or discharged to the tank passes.

[0019] In addition, the support part of the present invention is characterized by including a socket body into which the drive shaft of the transfer part is rotatably inserted and installed in the inlet or the outlet; a coupling rib protruding from the socket body and into which the inlet or the outlet is inserted; a coupling ring fastened to the coupling rib to couple the coupling rib to the inlet or the outlet; and a passage hole provided in the socket body so that a polymer compound moved through the inlet or the outlet passes.

[0020] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that it further includes a transmission unit provided in the support unit so that the power provided by the drive unit is transmitted to the drive shaft through the support unit.

[0021] In addition, the transmission unit of the present invention is characterized by including a transmission hole unit provided in the socket body so that the gear member of the driving unit is inserted and gear-connected to the driving shaft.

[0022] In addition, the driving unit of the present invention is characterized by including a gear member connected to the output shaft of the motor that provides power and inserted along the transmission hole; and a power transmission unit that transmits power transmitted from the gear member to the inlet or the outlet side to provide power to the transfer unit.

[0023] In addition, the power transmission unit of the present invention includes a first gear tooth provided on the drive shaft inserted into the socket body from the input portion and gear-connected to the gear member; and a second gear tooth provided on the other drive shaft inserted into the socket body from the discharge port and gear-connected to the gear member, and a pair of tanks are arranged adjacent to each other, and the drive shaft extending from the tank input port on one side and the drive shaft extending from the tank discharge port on the other side are inserted into the socket member and arranged to be in contact with each other, and the first gear tooth and the second gear tooth provided on the pair of drive shafts are simultaneously gear-connected to the gear member.

[0024] In addition, the stirring unit of the present invention is characterized by including a stirring blade installed between the first screw or the second screw so as to cause the polymer compound and the biochemical solvent to flow in a direction spaced from the direction of movement when the polymer compound is moved toward the discharge port by the operation of the transfer unit; and a sieve hole provided in the stirring blade.

[0025] In addition, the present invention comprises a tank in which an inlet and an outlet are formed so that a polymer compound can pass through, and a biochemical reaction solvent is filled; a conveying unit that moves the polymer compound supplied through the inlet toward the outlet; a stirring unit that increases the number of contacts and the contact time between the polymer compound and the biochemical reaction solvent by causing the polymer compound conveyed by the operation of the conveying unit to flow in a direction away from the direction of movement, thereby stirring the polymer compound and the biochemical reaction solvent; and an anti-jamming unit that provides a path through which the polymer compound passes along the conveying unit, and when the polymer compound is moved toward the outlet by the operation of the conveying unit, the polymer compound moves along the path formed by the anti-jamming unit, thereby preventing the polymer compound from being jammed between the tank and the conveying unit or between the screw member and the barrel member, and the biochemical reaction solvent is characterized in that the biochemical reaction solvent is maintained in a state filled in the tank while a polymer compound decomposition process is continuously carried out by passing the biochemical reaction solvent through the inside or outside of the anti-jamming unit.

[0026] In addition, the anti-jamming part of the present invention is characterized by including a barrel member in which the transfer part is integrally installed and rotatably installed in the tank; and a plurality of mesh holes provided in the barrel member so that a biochemical solvent can pass through the inside or outside of the barrel member.

[0027] In addition, the conveying unit of the present invention includes a screw member that moves the polymer compound supplied into the tank through the inlet toward the discharge port and discharges it out of the tank by rising along the inclined portion; and a driving unit that supplies power to the screw member, and an end of the screw member is joined to the barrel member so that a gap is not formed between the screw member and the barrel member, so that the screw member and the barrel member rotate integrally.

[0028] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that it further includes a residue prevention unit that prevents a polymer compound transported along the jam prevention unit by the operation of the transport unit from passing through the discharge port and remaining.

[0029] In addition, the residue prevention unit of the present invention is characterized in that it includes an inclined portion formed as the diameter of the barrel member becomes narrower toward the discharge port, and the polymer compound moved toward the discharge port by the operation of the transfer unit rises along the inclined portion and is discharged to the outside of the tank through the discharge port.

[0030] The polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent according to the present invention is provided with a conveying section for continuously supplying and passing polymer compounds through a tank filled with a biochemical reaction solvent, so that a large quantity of polymer compounds can be continuously supplied to the tank while stirring with the biochemical reaction solvent, thereby continuously extracting a high-purity polymer compound composed of one material among polymer compounds composed of a plurality of materials, thereby having the advantage of reducing the time and cost required for the decomposition process of a large quantity of polymer compounds.

[0031] In addition, the polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent according to the present invention has a stirring unit that vertically flows the polymer compound that is introduced into the tank and moves toward the discharge port, so that while the polymer compound passes through the tank, the biochemical reaction solvent filled in the tank and the polymer compound are stirred vertically, thereby increasing the contact area and contact time between the polymer compound and the biochemical reaction solvent, thereby improving the efficiency of the polymer compound decomposition process, and thus has the advantage of further increasing the purity of the polymer compound, for example, plastic, produced by the decomposition process.

[0032] In addition, the polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent according to the present invention has a residue prevention unit that prevents the polymer compound discharged through the outlet of the tank from crossing the boundary between the outlet and the tank and remaining inside the tank, so that even if a large amount of the polymer compound is decomposed through a continuous process, the polymer compound can be prevented from remaining inside the tank, and there is an advantage in that the tank cleaning operation that is performed when the accumulated amount of the polymer compound remaining inside the tank exceeds a set value can be omitted.

[0033] In addition, the polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to the present invention has a support that rotatably supports the transfer unit, so that even if the transfer unit is driven for a long time, the transfer unit can be prevented from being separated due to operating vibration, so that the gap between the transfer unit and the inner wall of the tank can be maintained constant, and there is an advantage in that the gap between the transfer unit and the inner wall of the tank can be widened, thereby preventing the polymer compound from being lost from the transfer unit and remaining inside the tank without being transferred.

[0034] In addition, the polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent according to the present invention has an advantage in that the gap between the transport unit and the inner wall of the tank is formed to be small compared to the diameter of the pulverized polymer compound, thereby preventing interference between the transport unit and the inner wall of the tank and simultaneously preventing the polymer compound from being lost through the gap between the transport unit and the inner wall of the tank, thereby more effectively preventing the polymer compound from remaining inside the tank.

[0035] In addition, the polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent according to the present invention has an advantage in that a socket body forming a support portion is provided with a passage hole through which a polymer compound passes, so that the polymer compound transported by the driving of the transport portion can be discharged to the outside of the tank through the passage hole along the discharge port, and by arranging a plurality of tanks in series and connecting the discharge port of the first tank and the inlet port of the second tank so that they are in communication with each other, a decomposition device in which a plurality of processes are continuously performed can be provided.

[0036] In addition, the polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent according to the present invention has a transmission unit that connects the drive unit and the drive shaft so that the power transmitted from the drive unit installed outside the tank is transmitted to the drive shaft of the transfer unit through the support unit, so that a separate technical configuration for transmitting power to the drive shaft installed inside the tank is not required, thereby reducing the time and cost required for installing the drive unit, and since a plurality of tanks can be easily connected, there is an advantage in that the time and cost required for installing a plurality of decomposition devices or replacing a decomposition device among the plurality of decomposition devices can be reduced.

[0037] In addition, the polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to the present invention further includes an anti-jamming unit that prevents the polymer compound from getting stuck in the gap between the tank and the conveying unit, so that there is an advantage in that malfunction caused by the polymer compound being conveyed along the inside of the tank getting stuck in the gap between the screw member of the conveying unit and the inner wall of the tank can be prevented.

[0038] In addition, the polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to the present invention has the advantage that the first screw and the second screw forming the screw member are welded to the inner wall of the barrel member of the jam-prevention section and joined as one body, and the first screw, the second screw, and the barrel member rotate as one body, so that the polymer compound introduced into the tank does not come into contact with the inner wall of the tank but is transported by the first screw and the second screw along the barrel member, and the biochemical solvent passes through the inside or outside of the barrel member along a plurality of mesh holes formed in the barrel member, and comes into contact with the polymer compound to proceed with the decomposition process, thereby effectively preventing malfunction in which the polymer compound gets stuck in the gap between the first screw, the second screw, and the tank, or the gap between the first screw, the second screw, and the barrel member.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the gap between the transport section and the tank of a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the support and transmission parts of a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a side view showing a support portion of a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0047] In this process, the thickness of lines and the size of components depicted in the drawing may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation.

[0048] In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of the functions in the present invention, and may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator.

[0049] Therefore, definitions of these terms should be based on the contents throughout this specification.

[0050]

[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a gap between a transport unit and a tank of a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] In addition, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the support and transmission part of a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical action solvent according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a side view showing the support part of a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical action solvent according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a tank (10) in which an inlet (12) and an outlet (14) are formed so that a polymer compound passes through, and in which a biochemical reaction solvent is stored, a transport unit (30) that moves a polymer compound supplied through the inlet (12) toward the outlet (14), and an agitating unit (70) that increases the number of contacts and the contact time between the polymer compound and the biochemical reaction solvent by causing the polymer compound transported by the operation of the transport unit (30) to flow in a direction away from the direction of movement, thereby stirring the polymer compound and the biochemical reaction solvent.

[0054] Accordingly, the pulverized polymer compound supplied through the inlet (12) is stirred with the biochemical reaction solvent filled in the tank (10), and the polymer compound of the remaining materials except for one material among the polymer compound composed of multiple materials is decomposed by the biochemical reaction solvent, so that it can be regenerated into a high-purity polymer compound of a single material, for example, a high-purity plastic.

[0055] At this time, the gap between the transfer unit (30) and the tank (10) of the present embodiment is formed to be small compared to the particle size of the pulverized polymer compound as shown in FIG. 2, so that when the polymer compound is moved toward the discharge port (14) by the operation of the transfer unit (30), the biochemical action solvent is lost through the gap between the transfer unit (30) and the tank (10), and the biochemical action solvent can be maintained in a state filled in the tank (10) while the polymer compound decomposition process is continuously carried out.

[0056] Accordingly, a continuous process for continuously decomposing a large amount of polymer compounds using a biochemical reaction solvent filled in a tank (10) can be performed, thereby significantly reducing the time and cost required for the decomposition process of a large amount of polymer compounds.

[0057] The particle size of the polymer compound is crushed to 0.5 to 3 cm and supplied into the tank (10), and the gap between the transfer unit (30) and the inner wall of the tank (10) is 0.1 to 0.3 cm, so that malfunction in which the polymer compound is lost to the gap between the transfer unit (30) and the tank (10) and is not moved can be prevented.

[0058] In addition, the present embodiment can provide a system in which a plurality of tanks (10) are connected in series as illustrated in FIG. 1, and a continuous process of injection, washing, biochemical action solvent decomposition, washing, and drying is carried out step by step while a polymer compound passes through the plurality of tanks (10) in steps.

[0059] The first tank (10) is a liquid reactor, in which STERIZATION, including the introduction and washing of polymer compounds, is performed, the second tank (10) is DEGRADATION, including the biochemical reaction solvent decomposition process, is performed, and the third tank (10) is WASH & DRY, including the washing and drying process, is performed.

[0060] As described above, the process of introducing, washing, biochemical solvent decomposition, washing, and drying of a polymer compound can be continuously performed using three tanks (10), and the decomposition device of this embodiment is installed between the crushing process and the extrusion process of the polymer compound.

[0061] Therefore, before supplying the polymer compound to the decomposition device, a crushing process and a gravity sorting process can be performed, and after the decomposition process is completed, a drying process and an extrusion process for pellet production can be performed.

[0062] In the first tank (10) of this embodiment, an ethanol solution having a sterilizable concentration range can be filled throughout the interior of the tank (10), and then drying can be performed using a hot air blower to ensure that no ethanol remains in the additional tank (10) section. Alternatively, a sterilization process can be performed in one tank (10) using a gamma ray sterilizer, and at the same time, a process can be performed to blow upwards using a blower to filter out small foreign substances that are not plastic, and an outlet (18) can be installed at the top to collect the residue moving to the top of the tank (10).

[0063] Among the tanks (10) of this embodiment, the second tank (10) filled with a biochemical solvent is filled with a biochemical solvent culture solution prepared by specially manufacturing plastic-decomposing bacteria inside the tank (10) to decompose the biochemical solvent.

[0064] In addition, an air inlet (16) is provided at the bottom of the tank (10) to aid in the survival of the biochemical solvent and plastic decomposition, and an air pump and a HEPA filter are installed in a pipe extending from the inlet (16) to provide sterile air.

[0065] Basically, organic matter can be completely decomposed and does not need to be collected separately, but some organic and inorganic matter accumulates on the outside, so they can be connected to a pipe so that they can be collected in a separate space.

[0066] In addition, since aging or death of the biochemical reaction solvent may occur, a biochemical reaction solvent culture medium and culture medium inlet (16) may be installed on the upper part of the tank (10) to maintain the optimal biochemical reaction solvent condition, and various sensors and culture control devices may be attached to monitor and manage the condition inside the tank (10).

[0067] Therefore, the growth status and decomposition degree of the biochemical reaction solvent can be monitored through sensors, and sensors such as a pH sensor, a temperature sensor, an OD sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and a hazardous substance concentration sensor that can inhibit the growth of various types of biochemical reaction solvents can be installed on the upper part of the tank (10).

[0068] The control device controls the phenomenon detected by the sensor, such as an oxygen concentration control device, temperature control device, humidity control device, pH control device, etc., and can manage the culture environment of the biochemical reaction solvent.

[0069] In order to prevent the inflow of contaminants, a pressurizer that can maintain the inside of the tank (10) at positive pressure, an air outlet (14) that can quickly replace air whose composition has changed rapidly, and a sealing member that can prevent the culture medium from initially leaking to the outside by using a latex material with strong elasticity and adhesiveness can be installed in the gap between the tank (10) and the support (80).

[0070] In the third tank (10) of the present embodiment, high-pressure water jets can be installed in all directions on the upper part of the tank (10) so that a high-pressure water washing process can be performed to remove the biochemical solvent and create a clean polymer compound for reuse of the polymer compound, and the washing water sprayed from the water jets can physically remove the biochemical solvent and sterilize the polymer compound as it passes along the lower part of the tank (10).

[0071] A hot air generator is installed at the rear of the tank (10) to dry the polymer compound, and if moisture remains in the cylinder after water washing, there is a concern about proliferation of biochemical solvent or contamination of foreign substances, so a drain for draining the washed water can be installed in the tank (10).

[0072] The control device can be operated using a central processing system capable of simultaneously checking and manipulating data from the aforementioned sensors and remotely controlled communication equipment. In general, systems utilizing biological organisms require a consistent and consistent environment, so a power outage can severely impact decomposition efficiency. To prevent this problem, a power storage system can be configured to provide auxiliary power in emergencies using solar cells.

[0073] The residue collected inside the tank (10) can be manually collected using the discharge port (14), but the convenience of collection can be improved by adding an automatic collection device inside.

[0074] A dense mesh-like structure can be installed on the upper edge of the cylinder to collect the entire upper portion of the cylinder while rotating it. The mesh can be connected to the central axis of each cylinder's screw and can be designed to rotate continuously within the cylinder.

[0075] When the capacity limit of the collecting device is reached and needs to be collected or additional material is to be administered, the device can be mechanically separated through a control device and the contents of the collecting device can be taken out through a discharge port (14).

[0076] In addition, the present embodiment further includes a residue prevention unit (76) that prevents the polymer compound transported by the operation of the transport unit (30) as shown in FIG. 2 from passing through the discharge port (14) and remaining.

[0077] The residue prevention section (76) of this embodiment includes an inclined section (78) formed as the diameter of the tank (10) becomes narrower toward the discharge port (14), so that the polymer compound moved toward the discharge port (14) by the operation of the transfer section (30) rises along the inclined section (78) and is discharged outside the tank (10) through the discharge port (14).

[0078] The transport unit (30) of this embodiment includes a screw member (32) that moves a polymer compound supplied into the tank (10) through the inlet (12) toward the discharge port (14) and discharges it out of the tank (10) by raising it along the inclined portion (78), and a driving unit (50) that supplies power to the screw member (32).

[0079] Accordingly, power is transmitted to the screw member (32) by the operation of the driving unit (50) installed outside the tank (10), and as the screw member (32) installed from the inlet (12) of the tank (10) to the outlet (14) rotates in one direction, the polymer compound supplied into the tank (10) through the inlet (12) moves along the screw member (32) toward the outlet (14) and comes into contact with the biochemical reaction solvent to perform a decomposition process.

[0080] The screw member (32) of the present embodiment includes a drive shaft (34) rotatably installed in the inlet (12) and the outlet (14), a first screw (36) formed in a spiral shape around the drive shaft (34) so ​​that when the drive shaft (34) rotates in one direction, the polymer compound supplied to the tank (10) is moved by pressurizing it toward the outlet (14), and a second screw (38) integrally connected to the first screw (36), formed in a spiral shape around the drive shaft (34), and having a diameter that gradually decreases toward the outlet (14) while maintaining a constant distance from the inclined portion (78).

[0081] Accordingly, as the diameter of the tank (10) becomes narrower, the second screw (38) is arranged along the inclined portion (78), and the gap between the second screw (38) and the inclined portion (78) can be maintained at 0.1 to 0.3 cm, so that the polymer compound transferred to the inclined portion (78) by the rotational movement of the first screw (36) can move to the discharge port (14) by rising along the inclined portion (78) by the rotational movement of the second screw (38).

[0082] The stirring unit (70) of this embodiment includes a stirring blade (72) installed between the first screw (36) or the second screw (38) to cause the polymer compound and the biochemical solvent to flow in a direction away from the direction of movement when the polymer compound is moved toward the discharge port (14) by the operation of the transfer unit (30), and a sieve hole (74) provided in the stirring blade (72).

[0083] Accordingly, the polymer compound moving toward the discharge port (14) by the rotational movement of the first screw (36) and the second screw (38) collides with the stirring blade (72) and flows in the vertical direction of the tank (10), is submerged inside the biochemical reaction solvent, and then rises to the upper part of the tank (10), and as the flow is repeated, the number of contacts and the contact time with the biochemical reaction solvent flowing to the upper and lower parts of the medium increase, so that the decomposition process of the polymer compound is carried out by the biochemical reaction solvent more effectively.

[0084] In addition, when the stirring blade (72) and the biochemical reaction solvent collide, the culture medium may flow more than necessary due to the stirring blade (72). However, since the stirring blade (72) of the present embodiment is formed with a plurality of sieve holes (74), the biochemical reaction solvent can be prevented from flowing more than necessary as the culture medium passes through the plurality of sieve holes (74).

[0085] In addition, since a portion of the biochemical solvent passes through the sieve hole (74) and flows relatively small, it is possible to prevent malfunction in which the biochemical solvent is completely driven into a part of the tank (10) by the first screw (36), the second screw (38) and the stirring blade (72).

[0086] In addition, the present embodiment further includes a support (80) that rotatably supports the transfer unit (30) and through which a polymer compound supplied or discharged to the tank (10) passes, and the support (80) includes a socket body (82) into which a drive shaft (34) of the transfer unit (30) is rotatably inserted and installed in an inlet (12) or an outlet (14), a coupling rib that protrudes from the socket body (82) and into which an inlet (12) or an outlet (14) is inserted, a coupling ring that is fastened to the coupling rib and couples the coupling rib to the inlet (12) or the outlet (14), and a passage hole (89) provided in the socket body (82) so that a polymer compound moved through the inlet (12) or the outlet (14) passes.

[0087] The socket body (82) is formed in the shape of a circular block with a larger diameter than the inlet (12) and the outlet (18), and has one of the inlet (12) or the outlet (14) inserted into one side and the other inserted into the other side, so that it can connect a pair of tanks (10) that are arranged adjacent to each other and simultaneously support a pair of drive shafts (34).

[0088] On one side of the socket member, a first coupling rib (84) protrudes and either an inlet (12) or an outlet (18) is inserted, and on the other side of the socket member, a second coupling rib (87) protrudes and either the other side of the inlet (12) or the outlet (18) is inserted.

[0089] The first coupling rib (84) and the second coupling rib (87) have screw threads formed on the outer wall and are provided with a plurality of cutouts so that when the inlet (12) or the outlet (14) is inserted, the first coupling rib (84) or the second coupling rib (87) expands, allowing the inlet (12) or the outlet (14) to be easily inserted.

[0090] A first coupling ring (86) and a second coupling ring (88) are fastened to the first coupling rib (84) and the second coupling rib (87), respectively, and after the inlet (12) or the outlet (14) is inserted into the first coupling rib (84) or the second coupling rib (87), when the first coupling ring (86) or the second coupling ring (88) is fastened to the first coupling rib (84) or the second coupling rib (87), the first coupling rib (84) and the second coupling rib (87) are connected while being in close contact with the inlet (12) and the outlet (14).

[0091] In addition, a through hole is formed in the center of the socket body (82) and a driving shaft (34) extending from the tank (10) is inserted, and a bearing (59) is installed on the inner wall of the through hole, so that the driving shaft (34) is rotatably supported by the socket body (82).

[0092] In addition, the present embodiment further includes a transmission unit (90) provided in the support unit (80) so that the power provided by the driving unit (50) is transmitted to the driving shaft (34) through the support unit (80), and the transmission unit (90) includes a transmission hole unit (92) provided in the socket body (82) so that the gear member (52) of the driving unit (50) is inserted and gear-connected to the driving shaft (34).

[0093] A transmission hole (92) extending from the top to the through hole is formed in the upper part of the socket body (82) through which the polymer compound does not pass, and a gear member (52) of the driving part (50) is inserted along the transmission hole (92) and connected to a driving shaft (34) installed in the through hole.

[0094] Accordingly, the power provided from the driving source installed outside the tank (10) is transmitted to the driving shaft (34) through the gear member (52) to rotate the first screw (36) and the second screw (38).

[0095] The driving unit (50) of this embodiment includes a gear member (52) connected to the output shaft of a motor that provides power and inserted along a transmission hole (92), and a power transmission unit (90) (54) that transmits power transmitted from the gear member (52) to the inlet (12) or outlet (14) side to provide power to the transport unit (30).

[0096] In addition, the power transmission unit (90) (54) of the present embodiment includes a first gear tooth (56) that is provided on a drive shaft (34) inserted into the socket body (82) from the input portion and gear-connected to the gear member (52), and a second gear tooth (58) that is provided on another drive shaft (34) inserted into the socket body (82) from the discharge port (14) and gear-connected to the gear member (52).

[0097] Accordingly, a pair of the above tanks (10) are arranged adjacent to each other, and a drive shaft (34) extending from an inlet (12) of one tank (10) and a drive shaft (34) extending from an outlet (14) of the other tank (10) are inserted into one socket member and arranged to be in contact with each other, and a first gear (56) and a second gear (58) provided on one pair of drive shafts (34) are simultaneously gear-connected to one gear member (52).

[0098] As described above, since power provided from one driving source is simultaneously transmitted to a pair of driving shafts (34), power can be transmitted to a pair of tanks (10) arranged adjacent to each other, thereby reducing the electric energy required to simultaneously drive multiple tanks (10), and reducing the cost required for the polymer compound decomposition process.

[0099]

[0100] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to a second embodiment of the present invention has a feature in that the upper part of the tank (10) is open, so that the biochemical solvent filled inside the tank (10) can easily come into contact with air in the atmosphere, thereby effectively carrying out the biochemical reaction.

[0102] In addition, a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a tank (10) in which an inlet and an outlet (14) are formed so that a polymer compound can pass through, and in which a biochemical solvent is stored, a transfer unit (30) that moves a polymer compound supplied through the inlet toward the outlet (14), a stirring unit (70) that causes the polymer compound transferred by the operation of the transfer unit (30) to flow in a direction away from the direction of movement, thereby stirring the polymer compound and the biochemical solvent and increasing the number of contacts and the contact time between the polymer compound and the biochemical solvent, and an anti-jamming unit (94) that provides a path through which the polymer compound passes along the transfer unit (30).

[0103] Accordingly, when the polymer compound is moved toward the discharge port (14) by the operation of the transfer unit (30), the polymer compound moves along the path formed by the jamming prevention unit (94), thereby preventing the polymer compound from getting stuck between the tank (10) and the transfer unit (30).

[0104] In addition, the biochemical action solvent of the present embodiment is maintained in a filled state in the tank (10) while the polymer compound decomposition process is continuously carried out by passing through the inside or outside of the jamming prevention part (94), so that the decomposition process of a large amount of polymer compounds can be continuously carried out, and the time and cost required for carrying out the decomposition process of a large amount of polymer compounds can be reduced.

[0105] The anti-jamming part (94) of the present embodiment includes a barrel member (96) that is installed integrally with the transfer part (30) inside and is rotatably installed in the tank (10), and a plurality of mesh hole parts (98) provided in the barrel member (96) so that a biochemical solvent can pass through the inside or outside of the barrel member (96).

[0106] Accordingly, the biochemical solvent charged into the tank (10) passes through the mesh hole (98) to the inside and outside of the barrel (96) and comes into contact with the polymer compound to carry out the decomposition process, and the polymer compound moving along the barrel (96) toward the discharge port (14) does not come into contact with the tank (10), so that malfunction caused by the polymer compound getting caught in the gap between the transfer unit (30) and the tank (10) can be prevented.

[0107] In addition, the present embodiment further includes a residue prevention section (76) that prevents a polymer compound transported along the jam prevention section (94) by the operation of the transport section (30) from passing through the discharge port (14) and remaining therein, and the residue prevention section (76) includes an inclined section (78) formed as the diameter of the barrel member (96) becomes narrower toward the discharge port (14).

[0108] Accordingly, the polymer compound moved toward the discharge port (14) by the operation of the transfer unit (30) is transferred toward the discharge port (14) along the rotating barrel member (96) formed integrally with the transfer unit (30), and is discharged to the outside of the tank (10) through the discharge port (14) while rising along the inclined portion (78).

[0109] Accordingly, among polymer compounds composed of multiple materials, a high-purity polymer compound composed of one material can be extracted to improve the recycling rate of the polymer compound, and since a conveying unit is provided that passes the polymer compound at a constant speed through a tank filled with a biochemical solvent that decomposes the remaining materials among the polymer compounds composed of multiple materials, a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent can be provided that can decompose a large amount of polymer compounds through a continuous process, thereby reducing the time and cost required for the polymer compound decomposition process.

[0110]

[0111] Although the present invention has been described with reference to one embodiment shown in the drawings, this is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom.

[0112] In addition, although a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent has been described as an example, this is merely exemplary, and the decomposition device of the present invention can be used in products other than a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent.

[0113] Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the patent claims below.

[0114] The present invention relates to a polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent, and thus is applicable industrially.

Claims

1. A tank in which an inlet and an outlet are formed to allow a polymer compound to pass through and a biochemical reaction solvent is stored; A transport unit that moves the polymer compound supplied through the inlet to the outlet; and A stirring unit is included that increases the number of contacts and the contact time between the polymer compound and the biochemical reaction solvent by stirring the polymer compound and the biochemical reaction solvent by flowing the polymer compound transported by the operation of the above-mentioned transport unit in a direction away from the direction of travel, A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent, characterized in that the gap between the transfer unit and the tank is formed to be small compared to the particle size of the pulverized polymer compound, so that when the polymer compound is moved toward the discharge port by the operation of the transfer unit, the biochemical solvent is lost through the gap between the transfer unit and the tank, and the biochemical solvent is maintained in a state filled in the tank while the polymer compound decomposition process is continuously carried out.

2. In paragraph 1, A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent, characterized in that it further includes a residue prevention unit that prevents the polymer compound transported by the operation of the above transport unit from passing through the discharge port and remaining.

3. In paragraph 2, The above residue prevention portion includes a slope formed as the diameter of the tank becomes narrower toward the discharge port, A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent, characterized in that the polymer compound moved toward the discharge port by the operation of the above-mentioned transport unit rises along the inclined portion and is discharged outside the tank through the discharge port.

4. In the third paragraph, the transfer unit, A screw member that moves the polymer compound supplied into the tank through the inlet toward the outlet and discharges it out of the tank by raising it along the inclined portion; and A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent, characterized in that it includes a driving unit that supplies power to the screw member.

5. In the fourth paragraph, the screw member, A drive shaft rotatably installed in the above inlet and the above outlet; A first screw formed in a spiral shape around the drive shaft and moving the polymer compound supplied to the tank toward the discharge port by pressurizing the polymer compound when the drive shaft rotates in one direction; A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent, characterized in that it includes a second screw that is integrally connected to the first screw, is formed in a spiral shape on the drive shaft, and has a diameter that gradually decreases toward the discharge port while maintaining a constant distance from the inclined portion.

6. In paragraph 5, A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent, characterized in that it further includes a support member that rotatably supports the above-mentioned transport member and through which a polymer compound supplied or discharged to the tank passes.

7. In paragraph 6, the support member, A socket body in which the drive shaft of the above transport unit is rotatably inserted and installed in the inlet or the outlet; A coupling rib protruding from the socket body and into which the inlet or outlet is inserted; A coupling ring that is connected to the coupling rib and couples the coupling rib to the inlet or the outlet; and A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent, characterized in that it includes a passage hole provided in the socket body to allow a polymer compound moving through the inlet or the outlet to pass.

8. In paragraph 7, A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent, characterized in that it further includes a transmission unit provided on the support unit so that the power provided by the driving unit is transmitted to the driving shaft through the support unit.

9. In paragraph 8, A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent, characterized in that the transmission unit includes a transmission hole provided in the socket body so that the gear member of the driving unit is inserted and gear-connected to the driving shaft.

10. In the 9th paragraph, the driving unit, A gear member connected to the output shaft of the motor that provides power and inserted along the transmission hole; and A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent, characterized in that it includes a power transmission unit that transmits power transmitted from the gear member to the inlet or the outlet side to provide power to the transport unit.

11. In the 10th paragraph, the power transmission unit, A first gear tooth provided on the drive shaft inserted into the socket body from the input portion and connected to the gear member; and It includes a second gear tooth that is connected to the gear member and is provided on another drive shaft inserted into the socket body from the discharge port, A pair of the above tanks are arranged adjacent to each other, and the drive shaft extending from the tank inlet on one side and the drive shaft extending from the tank outlet on the other side are inserted into the socket member and arranged to be in contact with each other. A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent, characterized in that the first gear tooth and the second gear tooth provided on a pair of the above driving shafts are simultaneously gear-connected to the gear member.

12. In the fifth paragraph, the stirring unit, A stirring blade installed between the first screw or the second screw to cause the polymer compound and the biochemical solvent to flow in a direction away from the direction of movement when the polymer compound is moved toward the discharge port by the operation of the above-mentioned transfer unit; and A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent, characterized in that it includes a sieve hole provided in the above stirring blade.

13. A tank in which an inlet and an outlet are formed to allow polymer compounds to pass through and a biochemical reaction solvent is stored; A conveying unit that moves the polymer compound supplied through the above inlet toward the discharge port; A stirring unit that increases the number of contacts and contact time between the polymer compound and the biochemical reaction solvent by stirring the polymer compound and the biochemical reaction solvent by flowing the polymer compound transported by the operation of the above-mentioned transport unit in a direction away from the direction of travel; and It includes an anti-jamming part that provides a path through which a polymer compound passes along the above-mentioned conveying part, When the polymer compound is moved toward the discharge port by the operation of the above-mentioned transfer unit, the polymer compound moves along the path formed by the anti-jamming unit, thereby preventing the polymer compound from being caught between the tank and the transfer unit or between the screw member and the barrel member. A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent, characterized in that the biochemical solvent is maintained in a filled state in the tank while the polymer compound decomposition process is continuously carried out by passing the biochemical solvent through the inside or outside of the anti-jamming part.

14. In the 13th paragraph, the anti-jamming part, A tubular member in which the transfer unit is integrally installed inside and rotatably installed in the tank; and A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent, characterized in that the device includes a plurality of mesh holes provided in the device so that the biochemical solvent passes through the inside or outside of the device.

15. In paragraph 13, the transfer unit, A screw member that moves the polymer compound supplied into the tank through the inlet toward the outlet and discharges it out of the tank by raising it along the inclined portion; and It includes a driving unit that supplies power to the above screw member, A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent, characterized in that the end of the screw member is joined to the barrel member so that no gap is formed between the screw member and the barrel member, and the screw member and the barrel member rotate as one piece.

16. In paragraph 14, A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical reaction solvent, characterized in that it further includes a residue prevention unit that prevents a polymer compound transported along the jamming prevention unit by the operation of the transport unit from passing through the discharge port and remaining.

17. In paragraph 16, The above residue prevention portion includes a slope formed as the diameter of the tubular member becomes narrower toward the discharge port, A polymer compound decomposition device using a biochemical solvent, characterized in that the polymer compound moved toward the discharge port by the operation of the above-mentioned transport unit rises along the inclined portion and is discharged outside the tank through the discharge port.

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